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PNC allows art to touch more people with ‘Arts Alive’ fund

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Saturday December 29, 2012 4:37 AM

I am pleased to lead a “standing ovation” for PNC’s Arts Alive. Despite widespread recognition
for central Ohio’s rich and diverse cultural offerings, times remain tough for arts organizations
in the region.

Many organizations continue to struggle to provide basic programming because of limited or
reduced funding. Fortunately, a number of local partners continue to recognize the importance of
vibrant local arts.

Enter PNC Arts Alive, a program launched in 2010 to make the arts more accessible by offering
free and discounted admission to innovative arts programs. In its first three years, PNC has
provided $1.5 million in grants to expand audience participation and engagement.

The program has enabled visual- and performing-arts organizations across a 14-county region to
broaden audiences by introducing arts programming to many who have not had the opportunity to enjoy
it. Now, on the heels of this successful program, PNC is providing an additional $1 million in
funding for qualified arts groups over four years.

The Greater Columbus Arts Council recently recognized PNC’s patron leadership with its Community
Arts Partnership Award, based on nominations from several PNC Arts Alive grant recipients.
Universally, arts organizations praised the program for using an arts focus to benefit the
community. Several recently funded projects demonstrate this impact: The Columbus Museum of Art
greatly increased access and engagement by offering free admission during “PNC Summer Fun
Initiative” and Free Sundays. Thurber House and ProMusica together created an in-school curriculum
for elementary-school students that combined elements of music, creative writing, cartooning and
historical information on James Thurber. ProMusica also collaborated with the Franklin Park
Conservatory to offer three outdoor summer concerts, complemented by hands-on activities for
children that incorporated nature, music and art. Held at Franklin Park, the free concert series
drew 3,500 people, a large percentage of whom had never before experienced a ProMusica concert.
Columbus is fortunate to receive this support, and the program’s extension will bring additional
opportunities to enjoy unique arts collaborations. Bravo, PNC!